A Method of batch processing a group of hardcopy documents scans a stack of documents. Each document in the stack has a cover sheet is placed thereon. The method performs optical character recognition on each of the cover sheets in the stack. The method performs an operation on each of the documents in the stack in accordance with instructions on the cover sheet on each document. Examples of operations that may be performed include printing the document, sending the document by fax to a recipient, sending an image file of the document by email to a recipient, and the like.